Forum Discussion

Straycat2161's avatar
Straycat2161
Explorer
Dec 07, 2014

Used Pricing

When buying new, I understand that one can expect a discount somewhere in the range of 25-32% off of the MSRP. My question is what is the norm when dealing on a used (1-4 yr. old ) unit.? Does the same percentage apply?

Thank you for your advice!
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Cummins12V98 wrote:
    Bottom line when they quit walking you to your truck and quit calling you know where the bottom line is. Start low and act like you really don't care whether you want it or not.


    x2!

    You will know where their bottom line is! I have stated before don't fall for the line "Are you going to let $$$$ keep you from buying this rig?" Just throw it back at them " Are you going to let $$$$ keep you from selling this rig??"
  • When we were making the rounds with our last TT I found the value from NADA. It was real, real close to what several dealers would give me. So IMO while some dealers try and inflate MSRP prices not all do and that the NADA value has merit. Still worth a try if you can find the model you're looking for. I find NADA to be not current.
  • I agree with Bamaman1, I think that NADA prices are inaccurate because there is no nationwide source of data for them to access. Their used prices seem to be depreciated numbers based off MSRPs for new units. And very few units are sold at MSRP pricing. According to NADA, my almost 4 yr old unit is worth more at Average Retail than I paid for it brand new.

    And definitely, costs on new units varies between dealers based on volume discounts and special incentives. So between that and varying selling discounts off MSRP, NADA has no idea what actual new unit pricing is and therefore, their used prices are overinflated.
  • Remember that the NADA value is coming out of the "National Auto Dealer's Association", and their resources are placed into automobile and light truck price analysis. The person establishing values has probably never spent one night camping or seen an RV. The posted values are just a work of fiction.

    Since there are no established chains of RV dealer auctions, there's also no source of wholesale and retail prices available in the U.S. There's no information to analyze.

    A better source of the value of an RV would be EBayMotors.com or RVTrader.com. You're looking for a bunch of sales listings for comparable trailers/motorhomes so you can see the posted sales prices. Then you'd need to discount their list prices for what you think they'd sell the RV's for.

    And taking a % of MSRP is not that accurate. Not all manufacturers have the same cost vs. MSRP differential. And who knows if they offer some dealers larger discounts for volume ordering/purchasing. Actual cost may not be apples and apples at every dealership.
  • In my experience and research, the MSRP can be very inflated depending upon the dealership and there can be room for negotiating a price.

    With a unit one to four years-old, there is considerable depreciation, almost like a buying a new vehicle and trying to sell a year or so later.

    If you a planning to buy a used unit, without a trade-in, you will save more money. Go to the NADA website, which will give you a general idea of value: http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/Travel-Trailers-5th-Wheels

    Also, do not accept the price listed for the unit, put in an offer a few thousand dollars lower. The salesperson will usually go to the sales manager (it is a game they play) and tell you he will see what he can do. You can haggle back and forth for awhile. But in the end, the dealership has their bottom line price and you have to decide if that is what you want to pay or just walk away.
    Good luck!
  • Bottom line when they quit walking you to your truck and quit calling you know where the bottom line is. Start low and act like you really don't care whether you want it or not.